Using metallothioneins as a model for understanding cellular and biochemical interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the brain

这项研究将揭示神经元和星形胶质细胞之间的关系发生的一些变化，从而对人类大脑造成伤害、衰老或疾病。就国家而言，这将有助于澳大利亚科学家共同努力，了解脑损伤或神经退行性疾病后神经元死亡的方式和原因。从经济和社会角度来看，这些都是重大的社区问题。此外，这项研究通过确定与衰老或大脑疾病相关的一些最早的细胞过程，直接为指定的国家研究重点做出贡献，并将为促进健康老龄化提供线索。

This research will reveal some of the changes that occur in the relationship between neurons and astrocytes as a consequence injury, aging or disease to the human brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or in neurodegenerative diseases. These are significant community issues in both economical and social terms. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain, and will provide clues to promoting healthy aging.